Launchable projectiles and launchers for the same

ABSTRACT

A projectile for launching through the air comprises a body and one or more projecting members integral therewith extending outwardly a distance from the body, which can be hollow or solid. The projectile is formed from an elastomeric material capable of being stretched to energize the projectile for launching. The projecting members are positioned a distance apart from one another and include openings disposed therethrough at distal ends for engaging sections of a launching device. The launching device includes a handle with the sections extending outwardly therefrom to accommodate placement of the projectile openings thereagainst for retaining the projectile before and during launch. The projectile is launched from the device by pulling the body away from the launching device to energize the projectile, and then releasing the energized projectile, causing it to be propelled from the launching device into the air and towards a desired target.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 15/465,279 filed Mar. 21, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No.10,195,518 issued Feb. 5, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/704,806 filed May 5, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No.9,597,583 issued Mar. 21, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/842,870, filed Mar. 15, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No.9,022,012 issued May 5, 2015, which applications are herein incorporatedby reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The success of a toy is measured by how effectively it is able tocapture and engage a child's/user's imagination and/or engage the userin an activity that stimulates the user's senses. Some toys areadditionally configured to stimulate a user's sense of coordination whenusing the toy. Projectile toys are known in the art, and examples ofthese are generally configured in the form of a gun that is designed toshoot foam projectiles.

While such projectile toys are useful for engaging the user and forhelping to develop the user's sense of coordination and/or accuracyduring play, the projectile itself when deployed does not operate tostimulate the user's visual and/or audible senses. Largely, theprojectile is configured in the form of a foam cylinder that may or maynot have a contact end that is configured to provide some type of effectwhen it comes into contact with an intended target, e.g., configuredwith an end that sticks and releasably attaches to the intended target.While this projectile feature is one that provides a user with somesense of feedback regarding the user's accuracy or coordination intrying to hit the intended target, it does nothing else in terms ofvisually and/or audibly stimulating the user during play.

It is, therefore, desired that launchable projectiles be configured in amanner that when launched operates to stimulates a number of the user'ssenses in addition to developing the user's sense of coordination andaccuracy. It is further desired that launchers be developed in a mannerthat operates to facilitate launching of the projectiles in a mannercalculated to assist the projectiles in displaying their engineeredfeatures.

SUMMARY

A projectile useful for being launching through the air comprises a bodyand one or more projecting members extending a distance from the body.The projecting members are formed from an elastomeric material that iscapable of stretching a distance away from the body when placed into apre-launch state and thereby energizing the projectile for launching. Inan example, the body and the one or more projecting members are formedfrom the same material and are part of an integral one-piececonstruction. The body can have a solid or a hollow construction, andmay have one or more surface features extending therefrom. Theelastomeric material can be formulated to have a sticky or non-stickyoutside surface.

The projecting members each have an opening disposed therethroughadjacent a distal end for engaging a launching device, wherein theopening can have a round or an elongate configuration. In an example,the projectile comprises a pair of projecting members each includingopenings therein for engaging a launching device, wherein the pair ofprojecting members extend from body at locations that are between about45 to 180 degrees apart from one another. The projecting members canhave a length that is greater than or equal to a diameter of the body.

A launch device useful for launching projectiles as disclosed hereinincludes a handle that can be held in the hand of a user, and includesmeans for accommodating placement of the projecting member openingthereagainst for holding and stretching the one or more projectingmembers relative to the launch device and energizing the projectile forlaunching. In an example, the means for accommodating comprises sectionsthat extend from the handle that are spaced apart from one another asufficient distance to enable the projectile once launched to passtherethrough. The projectile member is loaded into the launch device byplacing the projectile member opening against respective launch devicesections, retracting the projectile by grasping the body and pulling itaway from the launch device to energize the projectile, and thenreleasing the projectile body when in an energized position to launchthe projectile outwardly away from the launch device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of launchable projectiles andlaunchers as disclosed herein will be appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood by reference to the following detailed descriptionwhen considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGS. 1A to 1D are perspective front views of example launchableprojectiles as disclosed herein;

FIGS. 2A to 2T are perspective front views of example launchableprojectiles as disclosed herein;

FIGS. 3A to 3D are perspective front views of example launchableprojectiles as disclosed herein;

FIGS. 4A to 4C are perspective front and side views of examplelaunchable projectiles as disclosed herein;

FIGS. 5A to 5B are perspective front views of example launchableprojectiles as disclosed herein;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are respective side and front views of an examplelauncher as disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example launcher as disclosed hereinin the form of a user's fingers;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of an example launcher and alauncher loaded with a launchable projectile, respectively, as disclosedherein;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of an example launcher and alauncher loaded with a launchable projectile, respectively, as disclosedherein; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a launcher as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific, non-limiting embodiments of launchable projectiles andlaunchers for use in conjunction with the same as disclosed herein willnow be described with reference to the drawings. It should be understoodthat such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrativeof but a small number of embodiments within the scope of the launchableprojectiles and/or launchers as disclosed herein. Various changes andmodifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the launchableprojectiles and/or launchers as disclosed herein pertains are deemed tobe within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention asfurther defined in the appended claims.

Launchable projectiles as disclosed herein are also referred tointerchangeably herein as projectiles or ammo, and are configuredcomprising a body and one or more projecting member extending outwardlyfrom the body, wherein the projection member and the body are integralwith one-another and formed of a one-piece construction. In an example,the projecting member includes an opening disposed therethrough that isconfigured to accommodate placement of a launching element therein forpurposes of engaging and launching the projectile. In an example, thebody and/or the projecting member may be configured differentlydepending on the desired visual, audible, and/or physicalcharacteristics.

In an example, the projectile is formed from a shape-retainingelastomeric material that is capable deforming during a launchingoperation and/or upon impact with an object, and then returning to itsoriginal shape thereafter. A feature of such projectiles is that theyare energized, i.e., the energy to launch the projectiles into the airis an inherent characteristic of the material that is used to form theprojectile when it is activated by being stretched. A suitable materialfor forming projectiles as disclosed herein is rubber, and in apreferred embodiment is thermoplastic rubber (TPR). In an example, theprojectiles are molded from TPR. The material used to form theprojectile can be formulated to provide a sticky or nonsticky outsidesurface depending on the particular desired projectile use application.Where it is desired that the projectile, after being launched, stick orattach itself to a surface or target, then it is desired that theprojectile be formed from a material having a sticky exterior surface.

FIGS. 1A to 1D illustrate example projectiles 10 as disclosed hereinthat each comprise a body 12 and a single integral projecting member 14extending outwardly therefrom. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate projectiles 10each comprising an elongate opening 16 extending along the length of theprojecting member 14, wherein the body 12 of the projectile of FIG. 1Ais configured having a flat or even a concave shape, and wherein thebody 12 of the projectile of FIG. 1B is configured having a rounded orconvex shape. The shape of the body affects how the projectile travelsthrough the air when launched. A body with a flat body gives theprojectile a gliding flight, while the rounded body shape adds weight tothe projectile which can influence the landing impact of the projectileand/or may influence the distance of flight travel.

FIGS. 1C and 1D illustrate projectiles 10 each comprising an round oronly slightly elongate opening 16 (when contrasted with the opening inthe projectiles illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B) that are positioned neara distal end 18 of the projecting member 14, wherein the body 12 of theprojectile of FIG. 1C is configured the same as that illustrated in FIG.1A, and wherein the body 12 of the projectile of FIG. 1D is configuredthe same as that in FIG. 1B. The configuration of the opening in theprojectile influences the extent to which the projectile can bestretched for launching, wherein an elongate opening allows theprojectile to be stretched further than a round or only slightlyelongate opening. Projectiles configured having an elongate openingstretch further during launching, and as a result provide a longerflight distance than projectiles having a round or only slightlyelongate opening.

FIGS. 2A to 2U illustrate different example projectiles as disclosedherein that are each configured comprising a body and a pair ofprojecting members projecting therefrom. The projecting members arepositioned along the body so that they project from a similarhemispheric section of the body. In an example, the projecting membersare about 60 to 110 degrees apart from one another. The projectiles areconfigured in this manner to enable them to be launched from a device(having dual appendage hooks or arms that are aligned parallel to oneanother), and do so in a manner that does not damage the projectile whenstretched or energized during a launch operation.

Projectiles as disclosed herein and illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2U can beconfigured having a hollow, solid, or semi-solid bodies, havingprojecting members that extend outwardly in a curved or straight manner,having projecting members with elongate or round openings, having feetor other features extending from the body, and the like depending on thedesired projectile performance characteristics. The projectiles can becolored or uncolored, can be made having a sticky or nonsticky surface,or having a body comprising a particular design or shape. FIGS. 2A to 2Eeach illustrates a projectile 20 comprising a spherical or ball-shapedbody 22 having projecting members 24 that extend outwardly from the bodyin a curved manner towards one another and that each have elongateopenings 26 disposed therethrough. The projectile of FIG. 2A comprises abody 22 that includes one or more light elements 28, e.g., in the formor an LED or the like, disposed therein to light up before, duringand/or after being launched, and the projectile is uncolored. Theprojectiles of FIGS. 2B and 2D each comprise a hollow body 22 and areuncolored and colored, respectively. The projectiles of FIGS. 2C and 2Ecomprise a semi-solid and solid body 22, respectively. Specifically, theprojectile of FIG. 2C comprises a solid body 22 having a number of openpassages 30 extending therethrough. In an example, the passages 30 areoriented within the body 22 parallel to one another, and are positionedrelative to the projecting members so as to enable air to pass throughthe passages when the projectile is launched and traveling through theair. The number and size of the passages can and will vary. In anexample, the projectile comprises 4 passages and the passages areconfigured to provide an audible sound, e.g., whistle or the like,and/or to assist projectile glide, when launched during flight.Specifically, the projectile of FIG. 2E comprises a solid body 22 havingone or more features 32 extending therefrom. In an example, the body 22comprises features in the form of a pair of fins or feet 32 extendingfrom a hemispheric section of the body opposite the projecting members.

In an example, the body 22 of the projectiles illustrated in FIGS. 2A to2E may also comprise a concave or inwardly dished section 33 interposedbetween the projecting members 24. The shape of the body inwardly dishedsection 32 can follow the curvature of the two projecting members 24. Inan example, the inwardly dished section 32 can function to facilitateattachment of the projectile when it is launched and make contact with asurface, e.g., when the projectile comprises a hollow body and/or isformed from a material providing a sticky outer surface.

FIGS. 2F to 2I illustrate example projectiles 34 that are different fromthose discussed above and illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2E, in that suchprojectiles 34 comprise a body 36 that is flat having a generallycircular outer circumference, and that is not spherical or ball-shaped,and that comprises projecting members 38 that extend outwardly from thebody in a curved manner towards one another. Projectiles configured inthis manner, i.e., having a flat body, operate to provide the projectilewith a gliding flight when launched as contrasted with projectileshaving a spherical or ball-shaped body. The flat body can be configuredhaving opposed dished surfaces or other surface features that may beuseful for holding the projectile during launching. Additionally, thebody can be configured having different decorative designs, insignia,shapes, logos, or the like as desired.

FIG. 2F illustrates a projectile 34 comprising projecting members 38each having elongate openings 40, and further comprising surfacefeatures 42 extending from the flat body opposite the projectingmembers. In an example, the surface features are provided in the form offins or feet 42 projecting outwardly a distance from the body and arepositioned approximately 90 degree apart from one another. Theprojectile illustrated in FIG. 2F is formed from a transparent materialand is further formed having s sticky external surface to promotesticking to a target or surface. Alternatively, this example may beformed from a colored material that may or may provide an externalsticky surface.

FIGS. 2G and 2H illustrate projectiles 34 that are somewhat similar tothat illustrated in FIG. 2F, comprising a flat body 36 and a pair ofcurved projecting members 38, except that the openings 40 within theprojecting members are round and not elongate. The openings 40 arelocated at the distal ends of the projecting members 38, and theremaining portion of the projecting members extending to the bodycomprises a web of material 44 thereby operating to limit the extent ofthe openings to the distal end of each projecting member. These examplesalso include the surface features, fins or feet 42. The web of material44 disposed within the projecting members of these projectile operatesto reduce the elasticity of the projecting arms during launch, andthereby reduces the flight distance of the projectiles when compared tothat illustrated in FIG. 2F.

FIG. 2I illustrates an example projectile 34 that is somewhat similar tothat illustrated in FIG. 2F, comprising a flat body 36 and a pair ofcurved projecting members 38 having elongate openings 40, and havingsurface features, fins or feet 42, except that the projecting members 38are shorter in length than those illustrated in FIG. 2F. In theprojectile embodiments described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1A to2H, the projecting members have had a length roughly equal to or greaterthan the diameter of the respective body. The length of the projectingmembers in the example of FIG. 2I is shortened to provide shorter pullback during launch and shorter flight distance when compared tosimilarly configured projectiles having longer projecting members 38.

FIGS. 2J to 2O illustrate different example projectiles 50, generallycomprising a body 52 with projecting members 54 that extend straightoutwardly in an uncurved manner away from the body. In an example, theprojecting members 54 are positioned approximately 90 degrees apart fromone another along the body. These projectiles 50 are made from a TPRmaterial that is relatively more stretchable than the material used toform the earlier-described projectiles to provide a greater degree ofelasticity during launch.

FIGS. 2J to 2L illustrates projectiles 50 comprising a spherical orball-shaped body 52 comprising a pair of projecting members 54 extendingstraight outwardly therefrom, and each having an elongate opening 56extending from a distal end of the projecting member to the body. Theprojectiles of FIGS. 2J and 2K comprise a hollow body, while theprojectile of FIG. 2L comprises a solid body. The projecting members 54extend a length from the body that is equal to or greater than thediameter of the body, and may have a thickness that is differentdepending on the particular launch characteristic desired. The body alsoincludes a surface feature, fin, foot or tab 58 extending outwardly adistance therefrom and that is positioned opposed from the projectingmembers 54.

FIG. 2M illustrates a projectile 50 that is generally similar to thatdisclosed above for the projectile of FIG. 2L, except that it comprisesa flat body 52. FIG. 2N illustrates a projectile 50 that is generallysimilar to that disclosed above for the projectile of FIG. 2M exceptthat the flat body 52 comprises a large hole or opening 59 extendingtherethrough, FIG. 2O illustrates a projectile 50 that is generallysimilar to that disclosed above for the projectile of FIG. 2N, exceptthat the opening 59 through the flat body is smaller and the projectingmembers each comprise an opening 56 that is round and not elongate. Theopening 56 in each projecting member is positioned adjacent a distalend, and a web of material used to form the projectile extends therefromin each projecting member to the body. As noted above, configuring theprojecting members and openings in this manner reduces the stretch orpull back of the projectile during launch, thereby limiting projectileflight distance.

For the projectiles described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 2O,the bodies are sized having a diameter of about 1 inch, and projectingmembers that vary in length from about 1 to 1½ inches. It is to beunderstood that projectiles can be sized differently and be within thescope of projectiles disclosed herein.

FIGS. 2P to 2S illustrate example projectiles 60 that are generallyconfigured comprising a body 62 that can be spherical or ball-shaped andhollow or solid or that can be flat, with projecting members 64extending therefrom, wherein the projecting members are relativelyshorter than those described above. In an example, the projectingmembers 64 of the projectiles illustrated in FIGS. 2P to 2S are sizedshorter than the diameter of the respective body. Such projectileshaving short-sized projecting members are useful for making projectileswhere shorter pull back for launch and shorter flights are desired, whencompared to the projectiles described above having longer projectingarms. Specifically, FIG. 2P illustrates a projectile 60 comprising asemi-spherical body 62 that is rounded on top and flat on the bottom,with projecting members 64 extending a short distance outwardly andhaving elongate openings 66, and comprising a surface feature, fin, tabor foot 68 extending outwardly from the body at a location opposed tothe projecting members. FIG. 2Q illustrates a projectile 60 comprising aflat body 62 having a hole 70 disposed therethrough, with projectingmembers 64 extending a short distance outwardly and having elongateopenings 66, and comprising a surface feature, fin, tab or foot 68extending outwardly from the body at a location opposed to theprojecting members.

FIG. 2R illustrates a projectile 60 comprising a hollow spherical orrounded-ball shaped body 62, with projecting members 64 extending ashort distance outwardly and having circular openings 66, and comprisinga surface feature, fin, tab or foot 68 extending outwardly from the bodyat a location opposed to the projecting members. The circular openingsare positioned at the distal ends of the projecting members, and a webof material extends therefrom along the projecting members to the body.FIG. 2S illustrates a projectile 60 comprising a solid spherical orrounded-ball shaped body 62, with projecting members 64 extending ashort distance outwardly and having circular openings 66, and comprisinga surface feature, fin, tab or foot 68 extending outwardly from the bodyat a location opposed to the projecting members. The circular openingsin these projectile embodiments serve to further limit or control thepull back and provide shorter travel when launched.

Example projectiles as described above and illustrated make use of avariety of differently configured bodies such as spherical, which can behollow or solid, which can be flat and rounded and be configured to havea hole or some other type of surface feature, it is to be understoodthat projectiles as disclosed herein can be configured havingcombinations of all of these different body shapes, e.g., having oneside flat and another side rounded, having a combination of solid andhollow portions, and the like. Further, projectiles as described aboveand as illustrated may include additional surface features extendingtherefrom at locations generally opposed from the projecting members,wherein such surface features are configured to provide a desiredcharacteristic to the projectile. Examples of such surface featuresinclude one or more fins, tabs or feet. It is to be understood thatprojectiles as disclosed herein may comprise any combinations of thesefeatures and/or other or different surface features extending therefrom,which surface features may operate to enhance projectile characteristicsinvolved in launch, flight, and/or contact with an intended target orsurface.

The projectiles as disclosed herein have been disclosed and illustratedas comprising one or a pair of projecting members extending from thebody. In examples where two projecting members are used, they have beendisclosed and illustrated as comprising openings that are elongate orround, and these openings are oriented having two separate and distinctaxis that are in parallel alignment with one another, i.e., an axisextending through one opening is separate from and extends in parallelwith an axis extending through the other opening. It is to be understoodthat projectiles may be configured differently. For example, FIG. 2Tillustrates a projectile 70 comprising a body 72 having a pair ofprojecting members 74 extending therefrom. In this example, theprojecting members 74 each include an opening 75 (which may be round orelongate), and wherein the openings are oriented relative to one anotherhaving a common axis extending therethrough. In other words, in thisexample projectile embodiment the projectile member openings facesideways where for all the other example projectile embodiments theprojectile member openings face upwards.

The projecting members and the relative size and shape of the projectingmembers and their respective openings operate influence thestretchability of the projectile during launch, and thereby influencesthe travel distance of the projectile. It is generally desired that theends of the openings be rounded so as to prevent tearing during a launchoperation. It is generally desired that the thickness of the projectilemembers be such as to provide the desired stretchability during launchto provide a desired flight distance without damaging the projectile.The configuration of the body also influences the characteristics of theprojectile, e.g., a solid body tends to travel further than a hollowbody, a hollow body filled with air tends to be more flexible so that itcan stick to impacted surfaces, a round body weighs more than a flatbody which can influence the travel distance, surface features and/oropenings through the body can operate to influence flight distanceand/or accuracy.

Projectiles as disclosed herein can be formed from the materialsdisclosed above. Additionally, the projectiles can be formed having aone or more color, being transparent, being translucent, beingfluorescent, being illuminescent, phosphorescent, and the like. Further,projectiles as disclosed herein can be configured having differentfinishes, e.g., can be smooth, rough, stick, nonsticky. Further,projectiles as disclosed herein can be configured having a compositeconstruction, e.g., wherein the body includes one or more elementdisposed therein, which element can provide some desired launch, flightand/or impact characteristic. An example of this is the projectilecomprising one or more light elements disposed therein.

FIGS. 3A to 3D illustrate larger views of example projectiles 80.Specifically, FIG. 3A illustrates a projectile similar to thatillustrated in FIG. 2B comprising a hollow spherical or round-shapedbody 82 with a pair of curved projecting members 84 extending outwardly,wherein the projecting members each comprise an elongate opening 86.FIG. 3B illustrates an example projectile similar to that illustrated inFIG. 2D comprising a hollow spherical or round-shaped body 82 with apair of curved projecting members 84 extending outwardly, wherein theprojecting members each comprise an elongate opening 86. The projectingmembers for the projectile of FIG. 3A are longer than those of theprojectile of FIG. 3B. FIG. 3B helps illustrate the rounded ends 87 ofthe elongate opening for the purpose of reducing possible tearing of theprojecting members during a launching operation.

FIGS. 3C and 3D illustrates projectiles somewhat similar to thatillustrated in FIG. 2C comprising a semi-solid spherical or round-shapedbody 82 comprising a number of perforations or openings 88 extendingthrough the body, and having a pair of curved projecting members 84extending outwardly, wherein the projecting members each comprise anelongate opening 86. In an example, the body comprises four perforationsextending diametrically through body, wherein the perforations areparallel to one another and oriented each having an axis in parallel andin line with the direction of flight when launched so that air passesfrom a front section of the body adjacent the projecting members to anopposed back section via the passages 88. The projectile of FIG. 3Cadditionally includes surface features 90 in the form of a pair of finsor feet extending outwardly a distance from the body.

FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate further example projectiles configured to takeon the shape of particular object, such as a bird, insect, bat or thelike. Such desired shape can be accomplished by adding further surfacefeatures to the projectile body and/or projecting members. FIG. 4Aillustrates a projectile 100 configured in the form of a bat, whereinthe body 104 is configured having surface features 105 replicating eyesand teeth, and wherein the projecting members 106 are configured havingsurface features 107 replicating wing elements. FIG. 4B illustrates aprojectile 108 configured in the form of a winged flyer, wherein thebody 110 is configured having one or more surface features 111facilitating aerodynamic gliding travel, and wherein the projectingmembers 112 are configured having surface features 114 extendingoutwardly therefrom replicating wings. FIG. 4C illustrates a projectile116 configured in the form of an insect or bug, wherein the body 118 isconfigured having one or more surface features 120 replicating eyes,teeth and legs of an insect or bug, and wherein the projecting members122 are configured without additional surface features. These are but afew examples provided for reference of how projectiles as disclosedherein can be configured differently to replicate a particular object,and it is to be understood that all such variations of projectiles arewithin the scope as disclosed herein.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate example projectiles 130 configureddifferently from those described above. Specifically, such projectiles130 each comprises a body 132 that is centrally positioned betweendiametrically opposed projecting members 134. FIG. 5A illustrates aprojectile 130 comprising a flat body and having a pair of projectingmembers 134 extending therefrom at diametrically opposed positions, andhaving elongate openings 136. FIG. 5B illustrates a projectile 130 thatis somewhat similar to that illustrated in FIG. 5A except that the bodycomprises a hole 138 disposed therethrough. Such example projectiles areuseful for referencing how the projecting members can be positioneddifferently relative to the body.

While projecting members have been disclosed as comprising 1 or 2projecting members extending the body, it is to be understood thatprojectiles as disclosed herein may comprise more than 2 projectingmembers depending on the particular launch, flight, and/or impactcharacteristic desired and that alternative embodiments are within thescope of projectiles as disclosed herein.

Projectiles as disclose herein can be launched using a number ofdifferently configured launchers or launch devices. Generally, suchlaunch devices comprise an element for engaging the opening in the oneor more projecting members of the projectiles, and for permitting theprojectile to be energized for launch by being stretched away from theelement. The element can be provided in the form of a user's finger orfingers, or in the form of a separate launching device.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate side and front views, respectively of anexample launch device or launcher 140 configured to accommodatelaunching of a projectile 142 having a single projecting member 144 (asillustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1D). Specifically, the launcher 140 comprisesconical member 145 that is configured to fit over a portion of a user'sthumb, and a handle 146 that extends downwardly from the conical memberand that is configured to be gripped in the user's hand between theirfinger(s) and palm. The conical member includes an arm 147 projectingupwardly therefrom that includes a recessed section 148 foraccommodating placement of the projectile projecting member openingtherein. The projectile is energized and launched by the user holdingthe launcher 140, placing the projectile projecting member openingwithin the arm recessed section 148 and then pulling the projectile awayfrom the launcher, thereby stretching the projecting member andenergizing the projectile for launch. The projectile is launched andreleased from the launcher by the user releasing the projectile body.

In some cases, the launch device can be a user's finger or fingers,wherein the opening of the projectile's one or more projecting membersis positioned over a respective finger and the projectile is energizedby being pulled back therefrom. FIG. 7 illustrates how a user's fingers150 of one hand can be used to engage the projectile 152 projectingmembers 154, and how the projectile body 156 can be pulled back usingfingers of the other hand to stretch and energize the projectile forlaunching. While a launcher in the form of a user's fingers has beenillustrated in the context of launching a projectile having a pair ofprojecting member, it is to be understood that projectiles comprising asingle projecting member can also be launched in this manner, i.e., viaa user's single finger.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a launcher 160 with and without a projectile.Referring to FIG. 8A, the launcher is generally configured to facilitatelaunching a projectile 162 comprising a pair of projecting members 164.Specifically, the launcher 160 is configured somewhat similar to thatillustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, comprising a conical member 166configured to fit over a portion of a user's thumb, and a handle 168extending downwardly from the conical member and that is configured tobe gripped in the user's hand between their finger(s) and palm. Thedifference is that the conical member of this launcher includes a pairof arms 170 projecting upwardly therefrom that each includes a recessedsection 172 for accommodating placement of a respective projectileprojecting member opening therein. The arms are spaced apart asufficient distance, and extend outwardly a sufficient length, to enablethe projectile once launched to pass therebetween. As illustrated inFIG. 8B, the projectile is energized and launched by the user holdingthe launcher 160, placing the projectile projecting member openingswithin respective arm 170 recessed sections and then pulling theprojectile 162 away from the launcher, thereby stretching the projectingmembers and energizing the projectile for launch. The projectile islaunched and released from the launcher by the user releasing theprojectile body.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a launcher 180 with and without a projectile.Referring to FIG. 8A, the launcher is generally configured to facilitatelaunching a projectile 182 comprising a pair of projecting members 184.Specifically, the launcher 180 comprises a body 186 having a handlemember 187 that is configured to fit firmly within a user's hand whenbeing grasped between the user's palm and fingers. The handle memberincludes an opening 188 configured to accommodate placement of one ormore of a user's index, middle, ring and little finger therein. The body186 includes a launch member 189 that extends upwardly a distance fromthe handle member 187. The launch member 189 comprises a central valley190 that extends horizontally relative to the handle member, and thatincludes a pair of upwardly directed arms 191 each having recessedsections 192 positioned along a frontward facing surfaces 194 of thearms 191. The valley and arms are configured, along with the recessedsections to facilitate launching of a projectile therethrough. Asillustrated in FIG. 9B, the projectile is energized and launched by theuser holding the launcher 180, placing the projectile projecting memberopenings within respective arm recessed sections 192 and then pullingthe projectile away from the launcher, thereby stretching the projectingmembers and energizing the projectile for launch. The projectile islaunched and released from the launcher by the user releasing theprojectile body.

FIG. 10 illustrates a launcher 200 that is generally configured tofacilitate launching a projectile comprising a pair of projectingmembers. Specifically, the launcher 200 comprises a body 202 having ahandle member 204 that is configured to fit firmly within a user's handwhen being grasped between the user's palm and fingers. The body 202includes a launch member 206 that is positioned on top of the handlemember and that comprises frame 208 that defines an annular launchopening 210 therethrough. The annular launch opening 210 is configuredto facilitate passage of a projectile therethrough during a launchoperation. The frame includes a pair of surface elements 212 that arepositioned and configured to engage the openings within respectiveprojecting members of a projectile. In an example, the surface elementsare provided in the form of hooks that are extend inwardly into theannular launch opening 210 and that are diametrically opposed to oneanother. In the illustrated example, the hooks are oriented verticallyrelative to one another along the frame. It is to be understood that thehooks can be positioned differently within the frame, and that suchalternative positioning is within the scope of the launcher as disclosedherein. In an example, the hooks are shaped to provide a recessedsection 214 to accommodate the projectile projecting member openingstherein. In the example illustrated, the hooks are configured with therecessed sections in a forward facing orientation, i.e., a directionfacing in the direction of projectile flight once launched.

The launcher can include a light element 216 that is disposed on theframe 208, e.g., that is positioned on top of the frame 208. The lightelement can in the form of an LED or other light element, and isprovided to project a forward directed light beam as desired distanceuseful as an aiming aid to the user. In an example, the launcher isconfigured with a switch that activates the light element 216, e.g.,when a projectile is loaded therein for launching. In an example, theswitch is actuated by one of the hooks, wherein one of the hooks ismovable to activate the light element when a projectile is loaded withinthe launcher and to deactivate the light element once the projectile islaunched. A projectile as disclosed herein is energized and launched bythe user holding the launcher 200, placing the projectile projectingmember openings within respective hook recessed sections 214, and thenpulling the projectile away from the launcher, thereby stretching theprojecting members and energizing the projectile for launch. The usercan use the light element to help aiming the projectile at an intendedtarget, and the projectile is launched and released from the launcher bythe user releasing the projectile body.

While particular examples of projectiles and launchers for the same asdisclosed herein have been described, it is to be understood that theseexamples were provided for the purpose of reference and that othervariations of projectiles and launchers for the same not described butincluding the same general construction features and elements do notdepart from the spirit and scope of projectiles and launchers asdisclosed herein, and are thus intended to be included within the scopeof the projectiles and launchers as described herein in description, asillustrated in the accompanying drawings, and as set forth in theaccompanying claims.

1. A projectile for launching through the air comprising: a body; and at least one projecting member extending from the body, wherein the projecting member is formed from an elastomeric material capable of being stretched a distance from the body when placed into a pre-launch state to energize the projectile for launching.
 2. The projectile as recited in claim 1 wherein the body and the at least one projecting member are formed from the same material and are part of an integral one-piece construction.
 3. The projectile as recited in claim 1 wherein the body comprises a solid construction.
 4. The projectile as recited in claim 3 wherein the body comprises one or both of a projection extending therethrough and a surface feature extending outwardly therefrom.
 5. (canceled)
 6. The projectile as recited in claim 1 wherein the at least one projecting member includes an opening therethrough for engaging a launching device.
 7. The projectile as recited in claim 6 wherein the opening is elongate.
 8. The projectile as recited in claim 1 comprising a pair of projecting members each including openings therein for engaging a launching device, wherein the pair of projecting members extend from body at locations that are between about 45 to 180 degrees apart from one another. 9.-24. (canceled)
 25. A system for launching a projectile comprising: a projectile comprising a body and one or more projecting members extending therefrom, wherein the projecting members are formed from an elastomeric material that is capable of being stretched to energize the projectile for launch; and a launch device comprising a one or more outwardly extending elements configured to engage a portion of a respective projecting member, wherein the projectile is placed into a launch position by retracting the projectile body a distance from the launch device while the openings are engaged with the extending element to energize the one or more projecting members, and wherein the projectile is launched free of the launch device and projected into the air by thereafter releasing the body.
 26. The system as recited in claim 25 wherein the one or more projecting members extend outwardly from the body.
 27. (canceled)
 28. The system as recited in claim 25 wherein the one or more projecting members comprise an opening for accommodating placement of a respective extending element therein.
 29. (canceled)
 30. The system as recited in claim 25 wherein the launch device includes a member that is configured to fit with a portion of a user's hand.
 31. The system as recited in claim 25 wherein the launch device comprises a frame defining an annular opening through which the projectile travels when launched.
 32. (canceled)
 33. A method for launching a projectile through the air comprising the steps of: engaging a portion of a respective projectile projecting member with respective element of a launch device that is held by a user, wherein the projecting member is formed from an elastomeric material and extends outwardly from a projectile body; retracting the projectile a distance from the launch device while the projecting member is engaged with the launch device causing the projecting member to stretch and become energized; and releasing the projectile causing the projectile to be launched away from the launching device and into the air.
 34. The method as recited in claim 33 wherein the body and projecting member are an integral one-piece construction.
 35. The method as recited in claim 33 wherein the projectile comprises a pair of projecting members.
 36. The method as recited in claim 33 wherein the projectile body is solid and comprises one or more surface features extending outwardly therefrom.
 37. The method as recited in claim 36 wherein the projectile body further comprises a number of projections extending therethrough.
 38. The method as recited in claim 33 wherein the projectile body is hollow.
 39. The method as recited in claim 33 wherein during the step of retracting, the projectile body is grasped by a user and moved outwardly away from the launch device.
 40. The method as recited in claim 39 wherein during the step of releasing, the user releases its grasp of the projectile body. 